The Santiago Bernabeu could be the Potential Venue for the Copa Libertadores Final—Report

The 2nd leg of the Copa Libertadores final was supposed to be played on Saturday the 24th of November, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, but violence intervened. Radicals from the River Plate fan base, attacked the Boca Juniors bus upon their arrival into the stadium—windows were broken, glass everywhere—some Boca players were left injured, and pepper spray was thrown into the vehicle, while tear gas also made it’s way inside as Police tried to disperse the rowdy crowds.

Each club President met at CONMEBOL’S headquarters in Paraguay on Tuesday, with confederation president Alejandro Dominguez issuing a statement that mentioned a decision will be made on whether the game will be played in two weeks time (i.e. December 8th or 9th). The statement also mentioned that the game would not take place in Argentina.

Since that statement was released, the rumors have been in overdrive listing the many potential stadiums that could host the coveted final. Miami, United Arab Emirates, and St. Petersburg have all been listed as candidates at one point or another. It now seems, according to reports from Jugones, that the final is set to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu. All is agreed upon between Real Madrid, FIFA, CONMEBOL, and River Plate—Boca Juniors is the only “OK” that is still lacking. Boca felt River Plate should have forfeited the result and the title be awarded to them after the incidents, but both the club (River Plate) and federation have apparently denied that request.

If the match is held at the Santiago Bernabeu, it would be the next best venue for a certain Exequiel Palacios after the Monumental. He will have the chance to show his talent in a stadium that he will likely be playing many matches in for years to come.